It’s been a month of jolly frolics galore for Noctorum’s own enthusiastic Santa Bill Smith who has been popping up all over Wirral on behalf of the official Father Christmas.

Former railways manager Bill, aged 66, has performed the role for ten years at Egremont Primary School.

Then, keen to raise money for charity decided to spread the jovial potions wider – and turned Pro-Santa, so to speak.

Bill bought a dazzling bright red Santa suit online, let his silver stubble grow into a magnificent white flowing beard and, charging a tenner a visit, set off with his sacksful of presents to deliver festive cheer.

Suddenly it all went viral - as they say today - when his daughter Anita posted Bill’s ‘personal Santa services ‘on a Wirral children and toddlers’ website last month. Within two hours he had nearly 30 bookings and has now had over 2,000 hits on the site.

He’s visited nurseries, schools and shops all over Wirral, Chester and North Wales, as well as Brackenwood Golf Club in Bebington and Lloyds Bank in Grange Road, Birkenhead.

Bill says he hasn't had a day off since he donned his Santa suit and reckons by Christmas Eve he will have made over 70 appearances in public and at private homes.

Proceeds -almost £1,000 so far - go to the Royal Naval Association club in Riverview Road, Wallasey, where Bill is a long time member.